Norma’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant
Solid and yar as a Phoenician ship is this landmark where foods that have nourished and delighted for centuries get the respect and treatment they deserve by a family steeped in tradition and devoted to mindful sourcing.
Byram Bay Bistro
It’s Polish and it’s Jamaican and the intentions by owners who have created a warm and hospitable scene are sincere. But the execution of dishes at the dual-cuisine newcomer in Sussex County repeatedly falls short of the mark.
Bad Hat Dumplings & Cocktails
Chaos? That’s how the folks here characterize the meeting of Asian and continental ways and means on the plates. But: No way! There’s too much care and too much thought at play inside an old bar being taught new tricks by a chef with vision.
Ottoyee
Warm up to some new takes on authentic Japanese cookery at a storefront specialist whose owner Leo Chen isn’t shy about bucking established norms.
Hills of Herat
A warm and welcoming restaurant in Somerset County is a true gateway to Afghan culture, celebrating ingredients fundamental to its rich culinary traditions through a host of classics.
Woulibam
Home-style cooking is an art form at this storefront restaurant that pays respect to Haitian culinary traditions and allegiance to its signature dishes. Dine here on island time all the time.
Toasting Lunar New Year
By all means, go to a personal favorite spot and have all your personal favorite dishes. Then consider, as well, one of the Garden State’s destinations and keep ringing in the Year of the Dragon.
Café Basilico
A new concept from an experienced chef who has proven he can cook at a high level falls flat largely because of poor sourcing and careless execution. It’s a disappointment for fans and it calls for immediate remedy.
Under the Moon
A community-building hub with food that’s often Latin-leaning, this downtown café has vintage vibes and a spirit of inclusiveness. Come as who you are and eat what makes your tummy purr.
The Hill
Classics with well-executed spins are where this upscale and relaxed roadhouse shines. Fixes of flaws would be worth the time as would making connections with a borough farm that could and should inspire even more invention.
Mauka
What’s it called when a pre-proportioned feast of many parts is presented as a kind of culinary harmonic convergence? Thali time. At this suburban hub for Indian classics, you’ll also want a prelude of poori.
Arepa Pizza & Market
Focus on the cachapas, the arepas and the empanadas and let yourself be taken in by a monster sandwich called The Pepito. Then it’ll be obvious to you why the name of this corner storefront must be changed.